Atmospheric protection device

ABSTRACT

An atmospheric protection device includes a frame comprising a base, at least two mounting devices mounted to the base, and a plurality of support members releasably attached to each of the mounting devices; and a cover releasably attached to the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/609,074, filed on Sep. 10, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to portable enclosures, and more particularly toatmospheric protection devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the health concerns such as West Nile virus and skin cancer becomemore prevalent, more people are searching for protection fromultraviolet radiation, mosquitoes, bees and other insects when enjoyingthe outdoors. It is commonly known that mosquitoes breed in still watersuch as tide pools, marshes, bogs, lakes, ponds, storm drains, andswimming pools, and are drawn to water for this reason. Homeownershaving or living near a still water source, as well as beach goers andpicnic goers, typically contend with not only mosquitoes but otherinsects as well. In order to enjoy the outdoors and amenities of one'shome, the public must turn to cost effective means for allowing one toenjoy outdoor activities both at and away from home.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,695 to Brandner describes a lightweight,arch-supported collapsible dome designed for covering circular shapedpools. The collapsible dome can be shifted on one side or on both sidesalong the round shaped pool's edge before being collapsed, therebymaking possible the use of the lower arches, resulting in a lower heightof the structure. The arches comprising the dome are mounted to basesupports attached to either side of the exterior of a pool's structure.Although the arches may slide within the base supports, the basesupports are specifically designed to be fastened to the exterior of astructure. In order to employ the collapsible dome elsewhere, one mustremove the base supports and reattach the supports to another exteriorable to accommodate the base support's hardware. Moreover, the size ofeach arch cannot be adjusted to increase the size of the arc. As aresult, the collapsible dome may not properly enclose another structurebesides the intended circular shaped pool even if a user successfullyreinstalls the base supports to another structure. Furthermore, theaverage motor vehicle may not be able to transport the collapsible domeof the Brandner due to its awkward size, and/or due to the number ofcomponents necessary for assembly. Thus, the collapsible dome ofBrandner requires hardware adjustments, and potentially additionalhardware, in order to become truly portable.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,247 to Price provides a collapsible frame for use inerecting tents, insect screen rooms, shade awnings, canopies and thelike in the out-of-doors such as camp sights, back yard patios and otheroutdoor venues. The collapsible frame comprises a plurality oftelescopic legs for providing vertical structural support and aplurality of corner pin joints with one of the point joints fixedlymounted upon a corresponding one of each of the telescopic legs. Aplurality of horizontal support arms is included with one of the armspositioned between adjacent pairs of telescopic legs and attached to thecorresponding corner pin joints. A mid-span hinge which includes asliding sleeve is centrally positioned along each of the horizontalsupport arms. The mid-span hinge is flexibly collapsible when the sleeveis disengaged and is rigidly inflexible when the sleeve is engaged. Abottom slider is adjustably mounted upon each of the telescopic legs andis attached to the horizontal support arms which are connected to thecorresponding corner pin joint. Finally, a plurality of top supportmembers is included where each is anchored in a corresponding corner pinjoint for stabilizing the frame. The telescopic legs, mid-span hingesand bottom sliders each cooperated to collapse the frame. As described,the collapsible frame requires approximately fifteen steps and no fewerthan two people to completely assemble. Moreover, the screens and roofcanopy must first be removed in order to collapse the frame.Consequently, the collapsible frame is large and unwieldy, and is trulynot portable such that a single person may assemble, disassemble andtransport the frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,811 to Boyle et al. describes an outdoor dome is adome having a circumferential rafter assembly comprising acircumferential row of rafter-braces, interspersed with biasedrafter-braces connected by four-way connectors and interconnected, bysaid four-way connectors, with the dome framework. The dome can beconfigured to fit circular, oval or other shaped pools, and adjusted toincrease frame and/or covering material tension. While the outdoor domeof Boyle et al. can adjust to fit a pool, the dome is impractical foruse in various outdoor settings such as picnic areas, beach, campsites,athletic fields, porches, playpens and possibly even hot tubs whenconsidering the structures in question. In addition, the braces andconnectors seem to consume so much space within the dome that one ormore persons may have difficulty sitting beneath the dome. Furthermore,the dome components are not adjustable or retractable, thus the domemust be disassembled for transport which requires considerable time,effort and manpower.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable atmospheric protectiondevice constructed in a manner that lends itself to multiple outdoorapplications, ease of assembly and disassembly, ease of portability,protection from precipitation, ultraviolet radiation and insects, andensuring one's privacy from others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present disclosure, an atmospheric protectiondevice broadly comprises a frame comprising a base, at least twomounting devices mounted to the base, and a plurality of support membersreleasably attached to each of the mounting devices; and a coverreleasably attached to the frame.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representation of a side view of an atmospheric protectiondevice having an outline of a cover;

FIG. 2 is a top view of one half of a base of the frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 2 in a folded fortransportation;

FIG. 2B is a side view of a straight frame rod of the base of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2C is a side view of a receiving portion;

FIG. 2D is a cut away view of the receiving portion of FIG. 2C depictingthe interior threaded receiving area;

FIG. 2E is an end view of the receiving portion of FIG. 2C depicting thereceiving area;

FIG. 2F is a side view of a bent frame rod of the base of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2G is a side view of a first half and a second half of a hinge ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 2H is a side view of the first half and second half combined toform the hinge of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2I is a side view of the assembled hinge of FIG. 24

FIG. 2J is a side view of the hinge of FIG. 21 bent at a ninety degreeangle;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a mounting device assembly of the atmosphericprotection device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a side view of the mounting device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3B is a side view of a threaded eyebolt used to secure the supportmember to the mounting device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a representation of the atmospheric protection device havinganother mounting device assembly;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the mounting device assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the mounting device assembly of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of another mounting device to facilitate thereleasable attachment of the portable, atmospheric protection device toa stationary object.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be takenin a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustratingthe general principles of the invention, since the scope of theinvention is best defined by the appended claims.

The portable atmospheric protection device may be useful in the generalcontext of outdoor venues as protection against the elements and insectsas well as maintaining one's privacy. For example, the portableatmospheric protection device may be utilized as an enclosure for apermanent or temporary outdoor structure such as a swimming pool, hottub, exposed porch, child's playpen, picnic table and the like. Theportable atmospheric protection device may also be employed as anenclosure for an open space such as a beach, campsite, picnic area,athletic field, park and the like. The portable atmospheric protectiondevice may be sized accordingly, that is, adjusted in size or sized to apredetermined dimension, to fit the intended structure or outdoor area.In addition, the portable atmospheric device may also be sized to fitand protect a much smaller area, for example, a picnic table, picnicbasket and the like, in order to shield foodstuffs from insects andscavengers.

The portable atmospheric protection device generally comprises a coverreleasably mounted on a frame comprising a base and a one or moresupporting arms attached to the base. Unlike prior enclosures, theportable atmospheric protection device may be utilized in variousoutdoor settings such as a swimming pool, hot tub, exposed porch,child's playpen, picnic table and the like, or a beach, campsite, picnicarea, athletic field, park and the like. For example, the portableatmospheric protection device may be mounted on several different typesof hot tubs, swimming pools, tables, playpens, and the like, due to itsdesign. The portable atmospheric protection device may be transportedwith ease as the device's retractable frame lends to its compact design.Moreover, the cover may be removed and replaced in order to accommodatethe device's intended use. For example, the cover may act as an insectnet, a sun blocker, a privacy screen and the like.

Referring specifically now to FIG. 1, a portable atmospheric protectiondevice 10 may comprise a cover 12 releasably attached to a frame 14comprising a base 16 and one or more, or a plurality of, support arms18. Cover 12 may comprise a woven material, fibrous material, mesh likematerial or a material selected from a group of materials consisting ofnylon, cotton, acetate and blends comprising at least one of theforegoing materials, or any permeable material capable of permitting airflow sufficient to allow the user to breathe. In addition, cover 12 mayalso comprise weather resistant materials capable of withstandingsnowfall. Such durable materials can maintain the shape of the dome likecover without caving. Durable, weather resistant materials may includebut are not limited to metal, plastic, fiberglass, canvas, rubber andthe like. The material may also have a cross-section sized to preventinsects from penetrating cover 12 and entering the atmosphericprotection device 10. The material of cover 12 may also be capable ofsubstantially blocking ultraviolet radiation from an ultraviolet lightsource such as the sun. Cover 12 may also comprise one or morereleasable attachment mechanisms in order to attach to and be removedfrom frame 14. Various methods and apparatus permitting releasableattachment of cover 12 from frame 14 are known in the art. For example,some releasable attachments may include but are not limited to snaps,buttons, inserts, fasteners, zippers and velcro®. The releasableattachment mechanisms of cover 12 may releasably attach to one or morereciprocating releasable attachment mechanisms of frame 14.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, frame 14 may comprise base 16 andone or more, or a plurality of, support arms 18. Frame 14 may comprise amaterial selected from the group consisting of metal, alloy, polymers,plastics, composites, wood, fiberglass, combinations of materialscomprising at least one of the foregoing materials, and the like. Inaddition, frame 14 may instead comprise a material selected from thegroup consisting of metal, alloy, polymers, plastics, composites, wood,and fiberglass. Suitable polymers materials may include but are notlimited to vinyls, nylons, polyvinyl chlorides and the like.

Referring generally to FIGS. 2A through 2F, base 16 may comprise aplurality of rods sequentially connected to one another to form a closedshape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Base 16 may comprise a closed shapethat is geometrical, and more specifically substantially circular,substantially rectangular or substantially square. Base 16 may alsocomprise a polygonal shape or a non-polygonal shape. Or, base 16 maycomprise a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, oval,oblong, square and rectangular.

Now referring specifically to FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F which depictthe parts of frame 14, a straight frame rod 20 possesses a first end 22and a second end 24. Second end 24 of straight frame rod 20 is sized tofixedly receive either a tapered end 104 or 106 of a hinge 72. A bentframe rod 26 possesses a first end 28 and a second end 30 that is sizedto fixedly receive either a tapered end 104 or 106 of hinge 72.Likewise, a second straight frame rod 34 possesses a first end 36 and asecond end 38. Second end 38 of straight frame rod 34 is sized tofixedly receive either a tapered end 104 or 106 of hinge 72. A secondbent frame rod 40 having a first end 42 and a second end 44 that issized to fixedly receive either a tapered end 104 or 106 of hinge 72.Each straight frame rod 20, 34 is fixedly attached at their second ends22, 38 to bent frame rods 26, 40 by hinge 72. First ends 28, 42 of bentframe rods 26, 40 are also designed to receive tapered ends 104, 106 ofhinge 72, such that bent frame rods 26 and 40 are fixedly joined byhinge 72 to form one half of base 16 as shown in FIG. 2.

The combination of straight frame rods 20, 34 and bent frame rods 26, 40may also form support members 18. Unlike straight frame rods 20, 34 andbent frame rods 26, 40, support member 18 may comprise a threadedreceiving portion 58 sized to engage the threaded eyebolt 54 or otherattachment mechanism for securement to mounting device 50. Threadedreceiving portion 58 may comprise an end cap 60 having an interiorthreaded receiving area 62 as shown in FIGS. 2C through 2E, wherein theend cap is mechanically affixed to an end of straight frame rods 20, 34or, alternatively, is integrally combined with straight frame rods 20,34.

In forming either frame 14 or support members 18, hinges 72 permit therods to connect and move in unison to ensure frame 14 properly fits astructure and support members 18 support cover 12. Hinges 72 maycomprise any moveable joint known in the art. In one embodiment shown inFIGS. 4, second end 24 of straight frame rod 20 may be hingedlyconnected to second end 30 of bent frame rod 26 using hinge 72 thatpermits the movement of each frame rod relative to one another in a 180degree range of motion. Referring specifically now to FIGS. 2G through2J, hinge 72 may comprise a first half 74 and a second half 76, eachhalf being identical in both shape and size. Each half 74, 76 maycomprise a disk 78, 80 having an aperture 82, 84 in the center, a matingsurface 86, 88, a stop gap piece 90, 92 and a tapered ends 94, 96respectively. Each tapered end 94, 96 possesses an aperture 98, 100respectively designed to accept a mechanical fastening means. Halves 74and 76 may be combined such that a first mating surface 86 of first half74 and a second mating surface 88 of second half 76 make contact and arivet or other means of securement is inserted through apertures 82, 84of halves 74, 76 respectively. Stop gap pieces 90, 92 allow hinge 72 toonly move 180 degrees and prevents movement of the hinge 72 beyond 180degrees. Tapered ends 94, 96 are designed to be accepted by and insertedwithin the rods to form support arms 18 and base 16 of frame 14. Taperedends 94, 96 may also be fixedly secured to the rods by mechanical meanssuch as a screw, rivet, bolt, weld, fastener and the like.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the frame 14 of device 10 may also comprise aplurality of mounting device 50 capable of securing support arms 18 tobase 16 while allowing their movement to retract and close cover 12.Plurality of mounting devices 50 may allow movement of support members18 in the general direction from one side of base 16 to the oppositeside of base 16. Such movement of support members 18 may allow frame 14to retract such that a person may move cover 12 via support member 18and open the portable atmospheric device 10 to gain entry or permitegress. Plurality of mounting devices 50 may be fixedly attached to base16 and mounted opposite each other on either side of base 16. In anotherembodiment, mounting devices 50 may be disposed opposite each other atthe corners of base 16. Such disposition of mounting devices 50 wouldallow the use of a triangular shaped support member 18.

In yet another embodiment, a plurality of mounting devices 50 may beemployed and placed parallel to one another such that two or threemounting devices 50 are mounted opposite each other on each side offrame 14. Rather than securing four or more support arms 18 within asingle mounting devices 50, two or three mounting devices 50 may eachaccommodate one or two support arms 18. When completely retracted, a fewsupport arms 18 will rest parallel to each other rather than on top ofone another, thereby decreasing the height of device 10. In addition, byemploying two or three mounting devices 50, the size and height of eachmounting devices 50 may also be decreased, which also contributes todecreasing the overall height of device 10 when support arms 18 arecompletely retracted. By decreasing the overall height of device 10, auser may then properly fit a pool cover or hot tub cover over both thepool or hot tub and device 10. This advantage permits the user to leavedevice 10 installed year round rather than requiring the user to removedevice 10 each time the structure must be covered. Plurality of mountingdevices 50 may permit the releasable attachment of support arms 18 toframe 14. In the alternative, support arms 18 may be permanentlyattached to mounting devices 50 so that support arms 18 may stillretract and close cover 12 but not be detached from frame 14.

Referring specifically now to FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, plurality of mountingdevices 50 may comprise any mechanism known in the art capable of beingsupported by frame 14 and may be capable of permitting the releasableattachment of support arms 18 or capable of permanently securing supportarms 18 to frame 14. In one exemplary embodiment, plurality of mountingdevices 50 may comprise a loop member 52. Loop member 52 may comprise asemi-circular member fixedly attached to base 16. Each support member 18may be fixedly or releasably attached to mounting devices 50 via athreaded eyebolt 54 having an aperture 56 as shown in Figure. Loopmember 52 is disposed through aperture 56 to secure ring member 54 tomounting devices 50. Although a threaded eyebolt having an aperture isshown, any means of attachment sized to accept loop member 52 at one endand attach to support member 18 at the opposing end may be employed.Such means for attachment may comprise at one end any type of attachmentmechanism, releasable or fastened, and having an aperture capable ofaccepting loop member 52 as is known in the art, and at an opposing endany type of attachment mechanism capable of receiving or inserting intothe threaded receiving portion 58 of support member 18, or otherreciprocal attachment mechanism capable of being fixedly attached tosupport member 18 as is known in the art.

In another exemplary embodiment, mounting devices 50 may comprise asingle piece of hardware such that loop member 52 is an integral part ofbase 16. Loop member 16 may be integrated with base 16 by one or more ofthe following methods such as welding, pinning, riveting, punching,stamping, screwing, nailing, bolted, molded, heat sinked and the like.In the alternative, loop member 52 of mounting device 50 may bemechanically fastened to a mounting device 110 of device 10 as depictedin FIG. 3A. Mounting device 110 may be employed to attach device 10 to aswimming pool, hot tub, porch, patio or other structure, or for securingdevice 10 within packed earth. Suitable mounting devices for structuresmay include but are not limited to mounts having lock and releasemechanisms, male and female fasteners and the like, as well as to lowimpact mounts such as suction cups, clips, brackets, and the like. Inaddition, suitable mounting devices for securing and stabilizing device10 to the earth may include but are not limited to stakes and the like.As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3B, loop member 52 may bemechanically fastened to a bracket 112 using, for example, a pair ofscrews 114. In turn, bracket 112 may be mechanically fastened to thestructure using a pair of bolts 116 as shown in FIG. 3B.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, another embodiment of the mounting devicefor use with the atmospheric protection device 10 is shown. Referringspecifically now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a mounting device 200 may comprise abase 202 pair of side walls 208, 210 may be disposed opposite each otheron either side of the base 202. Each side wall 208, 210 may include aplurality of apertures 212 that may be substantially aligned across fromone another. A plurality of means for receiving 214 may be disposedwithin the mounting device 200 and between side walls 208, 210. Eachmeans for receiving 214 may include a cavity 216 designed to receive asupport member 18 and a pair of apertures 218, 220 substantially alignedwith one another. The cavity 216 may include threads or other featuresdesigned to accept an end of a support member 18 such that the supportmember 18 may be attached and fixed in place or able to be released.Apertures 218, 220 may also be substantially aligned with apertures 212of each side wall 208, 210 in order to receive a securement member 220within each set of substantially aligned apertures. Each securementmember 220 secures each means for receiving 214 within the mountingdevice 200 and permits each means for receiving 214 to move in thedirections indicated by arrows 222 and 224. The securement member mayinclude, but is not limited to, a screw, pin, rivet, combinationscomprising at least one of the foregoing securement members as well asother securement members known to one of ordinary skill in the art, andthe like.

In the alternative, the base 202 of mounting bracket 200 may alsoinclude a first flange 204 and a second flange 206 as shown in FIG. 6,The first flange 204 and second flange 206 may each include a means formounting 226 integrally formed therein. Suitable means for mounting mayinclude, but are not limited to, mounts having lock and releasemechanisms, male and female fasteners and the like, as well as lowimpact mounts such as suction cups, clips, brackets, and the like.

The mounting device 200 permits the portable, atmospheric protectiondevice 10 to be assembled and placed on a variety of surfaces at variousvenues. For example, the portable atmospheric protection device may beutilized as an enclosure for a permanent or temporary outdoor structuresuch as a swimming pool, hot tub, exposed porch, child's playpen, picnictable and the like. The portable atmospheric protection device may alsobe employed as an enclosure for an open space such as a beach, campsite,picnic area, athletic field, park and the like. The portable,atmospheric protection device 10 equipped with the mounting devices 200may be secured and stabilized to the earth, e.g., sand, packed dirt, andthe like, using any number of means known to one of ordinary skill inthe art including, but not limited to, stakes and the like.

The mounting device 200, along with mounting devices 50, 110 and otherpotential mounting device embodiments contemplated herein, or one ormore support arms 18 or the base 16 may also be received by anothermounting device 300 shown in FIG. 7. The mounting device 300 maycomprise a structure 310 having a channel 320 capable of and designed toreceive the mounting device 200, support arm 18 or base 16 of theportable, atmospheric protection device 10. For purposes ofillustration, and not to be taken in a limiting sense, the channel 320may comprise a shape designed to receive a support arm 18 or base 16.The mounting device 300 may also include a means for mounting to astationary object such as, but not limited to, a swimming pool, hot tub,porch, patio or other structure. The means for mounting may include, butis not limited to, mounts having lock and release mechanisms, male andfemale fasteners and the like, as well as to low impact mounts such assuction cups, clips, brackets, and the like. In addition, it iscontemplated that the mounting device 300 may include one or moreflanges or apertures disposed to facilitate securing the mounting device300 to a stationary object.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. An atmospheric protection device, comprising: a frame comprising abase, at least two mounting devices integral to said base, and aplurality of support members releasably attached to each of saidmounting devices; and a cover releasably attached to said frame.
 2. Theatmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said base comprises aplurality of rods sequentially connected to one another and a pluralityof hinges attached to said rods, wherein each pair of said hinges ismounted opposite each other on each end of said rods.
 3. The atmosphericprotection device of claim 2, wherein said hinge allows 180 degrees ofmovement.
 4. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein saidplurality of rods comprise a first rod having a first end sized toreceive a first end of a second rod to form said base.
 5. Theatmospheric protection device of claim 4, wherein said plurality ofhinges releasably receive said plurality of support members and allowsaid support members to move from a first side of said base to a secondside of said base.
 6. The atmospheric protection device of claim 5,wherein said movement from a first side of said base to a second side ofsaid base permits said frame to retract and collapse.
 7. The atmosphericprotection device of claim 1, wherein said support member comprises aplurality of rods comprising a straight frame rod, having a first endand a second end, disposed in connection to a bent frame rod having afirst end a second end, and said bent frame rod is disposed inconnection with a second bent frame rod, having a first end and a secondend, and said second bent frame rod is disposed in connection with asecond straight frame rod, having a first end and a second end, whereinsaid second end of said straight frame rod is disposed in connectionwith said first end of said bent frame rod, and said second end of saidbent frame rod is disposed in connection with said second end of saidsecond bent frame rod, and said first end of said second bent frame rodis disposed in connection with said second end of said second straightframe rod.
 8. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein saidsupport member comprises a plurality of rods comprising a straight framerod, having a first end and a second end, disposed in connection to abent frame rod having a first end a second end, and said bent frame rodis disposed in connection with a second bent frame rod, having a firstend and a second end, and said second bent frame rod is disposed inconnection with a second straight frame rod, having a first end and asecond end, wherein said second end of said straight frame rod isdisposed in connection with said first end of said bent frame rod, andsaid second end of said bent frame rod is disposed in connection withsaid second end of said second bent frame rod, and said first end ofsaid second bent frame rod is disposed in connection with said secondend of said second straight frame rod.
 9. The atmospheric protectiondevice of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a polygonal shape or anon-polygonal shape.
 10. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1,wherein said frame comprises a material selected from the groupconsisting of metal, alloy, polymeric, plastic, composite, wood,fiberglass and vinyl.
 11. The atmospheric protection device of claim 1,wherein said support members are releasably connected to said base. 12.The atmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said support armsare permanently connected to said base.
 13. The atmospheric protectiondevice of claim 1, wherein each of said mounting devices comprises aloop member, wherein said loop member comprises a semi-circular memberfixedly attached to said base of said frame.
 14. The atmosphericprotection device of claim 1, wherein each of said mounting devicescomprises: a base; a pair of side walls mounted to said base anddisposed opposite each other, each side wall includes a plurality ofapertures substantially aligned to one another; a plurality of means forreceiving disposed between said pair of side walls, each means forreceiving includes a cavity capable of receiving said support membersand a pair of apertures disposed opposite each other and substantiallyaligned with said plurality of apertures of said side walls; and asecurement member, each securement member is disposed through each ofsaid plurality of apertures of said side walls and said plurality ofmeans for receiving.
 15. The atmospheric protection device of claim 14,wherein said securement member permits movement of each of saidplurality of means for receiving within said pair of side walls.
 16. Theatmospheric protection device of claim 14, wherein said base furthercomprises a first flange and a second flange disposed opposite eachother, each flange comprising a means for mounting.
 17. The atmosphericprotection device of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a materialselected from the group consisting of nylon, cotton and acetate.
 18. Theatmospheric protection device of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises amaterial selected from the group consisting of fibrous material, wovenmaterial and mesh material.
 19. The atmospheric protection device ofclaim 1, wherein said cover comprises a material capable ofsubstantially blocking ultraviolet radiation.
 20. The atmosphericprotection device of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises one or morereleasable attachment mechanisms selected from the group consisting ofsnaps, buttons, inserts, fasteners and zippers.